Alice McNamee Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

Petaluma, California

Alice Marie McNamee January 18, 1930 - July 10, 2010 Resident of Greenbrae Alice died peacefully July 10 at home in Greenbrae with her family by her side. She was born and raised in San Francisco by Joe and Marie Keenan and graduated from St Vincent's High School and Lone Mountain College. She married Joe McNamee and together they raised 8 children. They celebrated 59 years of marriage this year. Alice, always brilliant and inquisitive, followed her passion for the written word by attending UC Berkeley in the early 1970's and earned her Masters in Library Science. She had a passion for reading, reference and finding information - she was a "search engine" before the internet was available. She worked at the Marin County Library for over 30 years, as a reference librarian and later as Assistant County Librarian. She loved her work and was proud of being part of expanding the library system and ushering in computers and technology. She was an inspiration to each of her 8 kids and the "coolest Mom" to many of their friends. She is survived by her husband Joe McNamee and her 8 children, Sharon, John (Linda), Pattie (Terry Herringshaw), Casey (David Lennon), Dennis (Martha), Peter, Steve (Serena) and Jim (Christine), all living locally. She is also survived by her brother Joe Keenan (Ginny) of Belmont, Ca. and her in-laws Frank and Marilyn McNamee of Clayton, Ca, 11 grandchildren and 8 nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the many caregivers who cherished Mom, particularly Mary Paiva and the compassionate, loving staff at WindChime of Marin. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial Mass Friday, July 16 at 11 am at St Sebastian's Catholic Church, 373 Bon Air Rd at Sir Francis Drake Blvd in Kentfield. A reception will follow at the Marin Art and Garden Center Livermore Room in Ross. Arrangements by ADOBE CREEK FUNERAL HOME, 331 Lakeville St., Petaluma, CA 94952 CHEDA & LYONS - Directors 415-833-8070

Not sure what to say?

Get email updates for this page

Posting Guidelines|FAQ

Dear Joe and Family-
I remember Alice with great admiration and affection. For the 10 years that I was an Administrative Librarian for MCFL, Alice was my boss, as acting County Librarian or Deputy. She hired me and I am eternally grateful!
Alice was a great role model and I learned a lot from her. She had a wealth of practical knowledge and experience about every aspect of library service, particularly budgets and technology. And she was a naturally great manager - unflappable,...

Gini Bowen

July 29, 2010 | Marblehead, MA

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Alice inspired and encouraged Phil to be the spreadsheet nerd he is today. We fondly remember Alice and Joe (who reluctantly) attended our wedding in Red Bluff, to Joe's surprise, and relief, he discovered a fellow ball player in attendance, Mary's uncle Con Dempsey. Alice was instrumental in instilling a lifelong passion for library service in both of us, a passion that we have nurtured here in New York. Phil works for a 7 county library system and we...

Phil & Mary Jones

July 18, 2010 | Potsdam, NY

Dear Joe and Family,
I was saddened to learn that Alice is no longer with us. She was a rock-solid support to me during the years I served as County Librarian. I relied heavily on her good sense and appreciated her sense of humor. And I will never forget those budget spreadsheets she kept whipping out! Sometimes I had to tell her "bottom line, Alice, just give me the bottom line". I hope your memories of your life together can bring you some comfort at this time.
Anne M. Appel,...

July 14, 2010

Dear McNamee Family,
Our heartfelt sympathies to you all during this difficult time.

Terri and Rick Humann

July 14, 2010 | Lafayette, CA

Dear Joe and family,
I was so sad to read of Alice's passing. She was my supervisor at the library for several years and I can't begin to tell you how much she inspired me and how much I learned from her. She left a wonderful legacy here at Marin County Free Library.

Gail Haar

July 14, 2010 | San Rafael, CA

Dear Joe and family,
So sorry to hear of Alice's passing. My sincere sympathies to all.
Margaret Diggins

July 14, 2010

I never met your mother, but she sounded like a brilliant, wonderful wife, mom and "search engine"--what an inspiration! God bless all of her children and her husband, Joe.

Carolyn and Rob Regan

July 14, 2010 | Alamo, CA

I just heard of Alice’s passing and extend my deepest sympathy. Please know that my thoughts are with you.

Joseph Lennon

July 13, 2010 | New York, NY

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Matt and Antoinette Corrado

July 13, 2010

Alice McNamee

About

Obituaries

Guest Book